North Dakota Senate Bill 2249 was approved by the state House of Representatives over this past legislative session, providing $5 million over the next two years to establish the Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota (EERC) as the state’s energy research center.
The Energy Research Center of North Dakota at the EERC will focus on emerging topics critical to the state’s energy industry and environmental challenges, such as flaring reduction, pipeline safety, efficient lignite use, and increasing oil recovery while decreasing environmental impacts.
“This is an investment in North Dakota’s future,” said Tom Erickson, EERC CEO. “The world is changing quickly, and with those changes come monumental challenges. North Dakota has the opportunity to pioneer energy research that addresses those challenges and keep our state on the forefront of innovation.”
The Energy Research Center of North Dakota will concentrate on precommercial research to complement existing state programs and ensure North Dakota’s energy resources and products remain accessible, affordable, environmentally responsible, and clearly understood through education and outreach.
Questions can be directed to:
Nikki Massmann, EERC Communications Director
nmassmann@undeerc.org, (701) 777-5428